Electrolyte Changes in the Blood and Urine of High Altitude Climbers

Abstract

During the Kanchenjunga expedition in 1975, the plasma concentrations of K+, Na+, Ca++, Mg++, Zn++, and Cl−; the urinary output of K+, Na+, Mg++, and Zn++; the osmolality; and the 24-h urine output had been measured in 11 climbers. These measurements have been evaluated by computer and the mean values for this group are compared in Figs. 27-1 and 27-2. All relative values are compared to initial values, which were taken in Munich before the expedition. The lower abscissa in both figures shows the altitude exposure (square units, cf. Chapter 48). The upper abscissa represents the days, day zero being the day of arrival in the base camp (5550 m). The negative numbers indicate the approach days before reaching the base camp. The ordinates show the dependent variables.